Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Allen Lazard

Friday, October 24, 6:16 PM

Andy Dalton is making his first start of the 2025 season for the Carolina Panthers. Regular starter Bryce Young is listed as doubtful to start in Week 8 with an ankle injury. This week, Dalton faces Buffalo's run-funnel defense. The Bills have allowed 13.6 fantasy points per game to QBs over the last four weeks, which is fourth-best in the league. That number may be skewed because the Bills also rank 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs in that span. The backup quarterback for Carolina started in five games for the team last season. In those outings, he registered 13 fantasy points on average, with two of those performances being under five points each. He passed for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions in those starts. Compared to 2024, Dalton has better receivers, such as standout rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan, and improving second-year receiver Xavier Legette. Because the Panthers may lean on the running game, Dalton may only be an adequate QB2 to start in Superflex formats.

Tuesday, October 14, 9:41 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has recorded just four catches for 24 yards on six targets across four games so far this season. Still, Lazard could have a chance to make his mark in New York now that star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) is facing a multi-week absence due to a knee injury. Lazard missed the team's Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to personal reasons, so his status for Week 7 is somewhat unclear. If he's able to return to the lineup in Week 7, Lazard could be the favorite to start at wide receiver for the Jets alongside fellow veteran Josh Reynolds in a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers. In the very deepest of fantasy leagues, Lazard could be a short-term desperation flex option while Wilson is sidelined.